U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-SD), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Thursday led U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) in introducing the bipartisan Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act of 2021. The legislation would dedicate a portion of proceeds from congressionally mandated FCC spectrum auctions to be used for rural broadband network buildouts.
“Access to high-speed broadband services is critical, now more than ever before,” said Thune. “This bipartisan legislation would provide the FCC with the necessary resources to continue bridging the digital divide in rural America. I strongly support finding common-sense ways to effectively and efficiently deliver reliable broadband services to Americans who need it, and our bill is a step in the right direction.”
“Member companies of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association are on the front lines of deployment, working on a daily basis to close the digital divide,” said NATE President/CEO Todd Schlekeway. He said the association endorses the bill “that will ultimately provide an infusion of funds from proceeds generated from congressionally mandated spectrum auctions to promote broadband deployment services and communications infrastructure expansion.”
“Policies that focus on bringing infrastructure to unserved or unconnected parts of the country make good sense,” said Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom — The Broadband Association. “This bill recognizes the essential public-private partnership necessary to deploy high-speed broadband to every corner of the country and narrow the digital divide.”
Kelly Cole, senior vice president of government affairs of CTIA, said members “stand committed to ensuring all Americans have access to broadband and continue to roll out 5G networks in communities big and small across the country.”
And the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association praised the measure was well. The bill “puts forward a solid common sense and flexible solution toward eradicating the rural divide,” said WISPA VP Government Affairs Christina Mason.
If enacted, the Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act of 2021 would:
- Set aside 10 percent of the net proceeds from spectrum auctions mandated by Congress for the buildout of broadband networks;
- Require the FCC to use the funds provided by RCAP to address gaps that remain in broadband internet access service coverage in high-cost rural areas;
- Allow the Commission to use the funds provided by RCAP in a technology-neutral manner to address shortfalls in sufficient funding of existing USF High-Cost Programs for the buildout of broadband services;
- Require the agency to consider the broadband internet access service needs of residents of tribal lands; and
- Require the FCC to produce an annual report on the distribution of funds established under this act.
Reader Interactions